Electrostatic fluid delivery system

ABSTRACT

An electrostatic fluid delivery system is configured to deliver fluid, such as a disinfectant fluid, onto a surface by electrically charging the fluid and forming the fluid into a mist, fog, plume, or spray that can be directed onto a surface, such as a surface to be cleaned. The system atomizes the fluid using a high-pressure fluid stream and passes the fluid through an electrode of a nozzle assembly to charge droplets of the atomized fluid.

REFERENCE TO PRIORITY DOCUMENT

This application claims priority to co-pending U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 62/046,140 entitled “ELECTROSTATIC FLUID DELIVERYSYSTEM DEVICE” and filed Sep. 4, 2014. Priority to the aforementionedfiling date is claimed and the provisional patent application isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Infectious disease is too often acquired in places that should be safe,such as ambulances, hospitals, schools, restaurants, hotels, athleticfacilities, and other public areas. These places are traditionallycleaned by spraying a fluid disinfectant onto surfaces and wiping downthe surface with a cloth. Unfortunately such cleaning methods have beenshown to be ineffective.

An improved mechanism for spraying down surfaces uses an electrostaticdelivery system that sprays an electrically charged fluid, such as adisinfectant, onto surfaces. In an electrostatic delivery system, afluid such as chemical solution is atomized by a high-pressure airstream as it passes through an electrode inside a nozzle. Negativelycharged particles are thereby induced onto droplet surfaces of thesolution to form electric field charge within the spray plume of thesolution.

The electrostatic charge causes the fluid to cling to a surface toincrease the likelihood that the disinfectant will cover and clean thesurface. However, existing electrostatic delivery systems are unwieldyand inconvenient due to the power requirements of such systems. They aretypically tethered to an electric cord or powered by air compressor ornatural gas, which makes the system heavy. In addition, they areexpensive. Cost and cording remain the two main obstacles to widespreadadoption. In many cases existing corded products prohibit or restricttheir use in applications where an extension cord is cumbersome,inconvenient, slow, and in some cases creating a safety concern byintroducing a potentially dangerous tripping hazard.

In view of the foregoing, there is a need for improved electrostaticfluid delivery system.

SUMMARY

Disclosed herein is an electrostatic fluid delivery system that isconfigured to deliver fluid, such as a disinfectant fluid, onto asurface by electrically charging the fluid and forming the fluid into amist, fog, plume, or spray that can be directed onto a surface, such asa surface to be cleaned. The system atomizes the fluid using ahigh-pressure air (or other gas) stream and passes the fluid through anelectrode inside a nozzle assembly to charge, such as negatively charge,droplets of the atomized fluid. The system uses a unique nozzle designthat is configured to optimally atomize the fluid into various sizeddroplets. In addition, the system is powered by a DC power system ratherthan an AC system to eliminate cumbersome power cords. In an embodiment,the DC power system includes a lithium ion battery. The device canelectrically or positively charge a liquid or gas.

In one aspect, there is disclosed an electrostatic sprayer device,comprising: a housing; an electrostatic module inside the housing; areservoir having a cavity adapted to contain a fluid; at least onenozzle fluidly connected to the reservoir wherein the nozzles emit fluidin a direction along a flow pathway; a pump that propels fluid from thereservoir to the at least one nozzle; a direct current battery thatpowers at least one of the electrostatic module and the pump; anelectrode assembly that electrostatically charges the fluid, wherein theelectrode assembly is at least one of: (1) a first electrode assemblyformed of a plurality electrodes electrically attached to theelectrostatic module, wherein each electrode emits ions along an axisthat is parallel to the flow pathway of the fluid emitted from thenozzle such that the plurality electrodes form a static electrical fieldthrough which the fluid passes; and (2) a second electrode assemblyformed of a tube that fluidly through which fluid flows from thereservoir toward the at least one nozzle, wherein at least a conductiveportion of the tube is electrically attached to the electrostaticmodule, and wherein the conductive portion of the tube physicallycontacts the fluid as it flows through the tube and applies anelectrical charge to the fluid.

Other features and advantages should be apparent from the followingdescription of various embodiments, which illustrate, by way of example,the principles of the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an electrostatic fogger device.

FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of the device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows an enlarged view of a nozzle assembly of the device.

FIG. 4 shows a close up view of a nozzle surrounded by a charging ring.

FIGS. 5 and 6 show a backpack style fogger.

FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of a handheld fogger.

FIG. 8 shows another embodiment of a handheld fogger.

FIG. 9 shows another embodiment of an electrostatic fogger device.

FIG. 10 shows the device of FIG. 9 with a portion of an outer housingremoved.

FIG. 11 shows a nozzle assembly of the device.

FIG. 12 shows a nozzle assembly of the device with a nozzle toolattached thereto.

FIG. 13 shows a nozzle housing of the nozzle assembly.

FIG. 14 shows a nozzle component with nozzles.

FIG. 15 shows an electrode assembly.

FIG. 16 shows an electrode.

FIG. 17 shows a perspective view of the nozzle tool.

FIG. 18 shows an enlarged view of a handle region of the system.

FIG. 19 shows an enlarged view of a handle region of the system with aportion of the outer housing removed.

FIG. 20 shows an interior of a cap of a liquid or fluid reservoir of thesystem.

FIG. 21 shows a perspective view of the reservoir.

FIG. 22 shows a perspective view of the system with the reservoirremoved.

FIG. 23 shows an exemplary embodiment of the pump of the system.

FIG. 24 shows an ion tube isolator that provides a positive or negativeelectrical charge to fluid flowing the tube isolator via direct contactwith the fluid,

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before the present subject matter is further described, it is to beunderstood that this subject matter described herein is not limited toparticular embodiments described, as such may of course vary. It is alsoto be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose ofdescribing a particular embodiment or embodiments only, and is notintended to be limiting. Unless defined otherwise, all technical termsused herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one skilledin the art to which this subject matter belongs.

Disclosed herein is an electrostatic fluid delivery system that isconfigured to deliver fluid, such as a disinfectant fluid, onto asurface by electrically charging the fluid and forming the fluid into amist, fog, plume, or spray that can be directed onto a surface, such asa surface to be cleaned. The system atomizes the fluid using ahigh-pressure air (or other gas) stream and passes the fluid through anelectrode inside a nozzle assembly to charge, such as negatively charge,droplets of the atomized fluid. The system uses a unique nozzle designthat is configured to optimally atomize the fluid into various sizeddroplets. In addition, the system is powered by a DC power system ratherthan an AC system to eliminate cumbersome power cords. In an embodiment,the DC power system includes a lithium ion battery.

The device can electrically or positively charge a liquid or gas.

The system is configured to electrostatically charge the atomized fluidvia direct charging, induction charging, indirect charging, or anycombinations thereof. In the case of direct charging, fluid flowsthrough an electrically conductive tube or other conduit that iselectrostatically charged such that the fluid contacts the tube and ischarged by direct contact with the tube, as describe below. Forinduction or indirect charging, the fluid is passed through a medium,such as air, that has been electrostatically charged by one or moreelectrodes or pins that create a static electric field through which thefluid passes to receive c charge. The electrode may or may not be in thefluid stream. In an embodiment, the fluid is charged through both directcontact with the charged tube and by flowing the fluid through a mediumsuch as air that has been charged with electrodes such as, for example,described herein.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an electrostatic fluid deliverysystem 105 that is configured to electrically charge and atomize a fluidfor spraying onto a surface. The system 105 includes a housing 110 thatis sized and shaped to be held by a user. The housing 110 has anergonomic shape that can be easily grasped and held but it should beappreciated that the size and shape of the housing can vary. In anembodiment, one or more vents or openings are positioned in the outerhousing to provide communication between an inside of the outer housingand the outside such as for venting.

The system 105 may have one or more actuators or controls 120 that canbe actuated by a user to activate and operate the system. A fluidexpelling region 175 is located at a front of the housing 110 and has anopening through which atomized fluid is expelled. The system 105 alsoincludes a reservoir 125 that defines a chamber in which fluid can bestored. The chamber of the reservoir 125 communicates internally with anozzle assembly 205 (FIG. 2) for supplying fluid to be electricallycharged and atomized by the nozzle assembly, as described more fullybelow.

FIG. 2 shows the system 105 in an exploded state. The housing is formedof multiple pieces that connect to contain an inner region in which ishoused a fan 200. The fan 200 is powered by a battery, such as a lithiumion battery. An electrical circuit board converts the DC power to ACpower for powering the fan. The system may include a stator coupled tothe battery as well as a protection circuit module (PCM).

The fan 200 (or a pump) operates to blow fluid (gas or liquid) toward anozzle assembly 205 in the fluid expelling region 175 of the system. Thenozzle assembly 205 atomizes and expels fluid in a spray. As the fanblows air toward the nozzle assembly, it creates a pressure differentialthat sucks fluid from the reservoir 125 into the nozzle assembly 205where it is atomized and expelled as a result of the fan 200 blowing airtherethrough. It should be appreciated that other mechanisms can be usedto blow air or to blow or otherwise propel liquid from the reservoir. Inan embodiment, a piston pump is used to deliver air pressure to thenozzle tip. A piston pump can pull from the reservoir tank to push fluidor pressurize straight to the nozzle tip. For a smaller footprintembodiment (such as the embodiments of FIGS. 7 and 8) a Pneumatics MicroPump can act as a solenoid pulling fluid by a magnetic movement. Thedevice can also include a pump that pulls a vacuum in the reservoir orfluid tank to cause fluid to flow out of the reservoir toward thenozzles(s).

FIG. 3 shows an enlarged view of the nozzle assembly, which includes anannular housing 305 having a central opening in which is positioned anozzle 310. The housing 305 has a conically or frustoconically shapedsurface that can be curved or straight. The surface is shaped such thatfluid from the nozzle 310 bounces back and forth along the surface toform a turbulent flow that atomizes the fluid. In an embodiment, thefluid is atomized to droplets in the range of 5 microns to 40 microns insize. The nozzle 310 is mechanically coupled to a drive assembly 315that moves the nozzle 310 relative to the housing to control the size ofthe droplets. In this manner, the user can move the nozzle back andforth to achieve a desired plume profile.

FIG. 4 shows an enlarged view of the nozzle 310. The tip of the nozzle310 is positioned centrally within a charge ring 405 that is positionedwithin the housing 305 (FIG. 3) in the assembled device. The charge ring405 is positioned as such (deep inside the housing) to reduce thelikelihood of a user touching the charged ring. The charge ring 405 isgrounded and also electrically connected to a power source for achievinga positive voltage on the charge ring 405 during use. As the nozzle 310expels the atomized fluid through the charge ring 405, it positivelycharges the fluid. In this manner, the electrically charged plume offluid will cling to surfaces that it is sprayed upon.

With reference still to FIG. 4, the nozzle 310 has a series of openingsthrough which fluid is expelled. The openings communicate with aninternal lumen of a tube 410 through which fluid flows from thereservoir 125 (FIG. 1). The openings are arranged in a unique spatialpattern comprised of four openings with each opening positioned 90degrees away from an adjacent opening so as to form a cross pattern. Theopenings can vary in size. In an embodiment, the openings are 0.063inches in diameter. As mentioned, the nozzle can be connected to a driveassembly that varies the position of the nozzle to control the plumeprofile.

The electrostatic fluid delivery system may vary in size and shape.FIGS. 5 and 6 show a backpack embodiment 405 that is configured to beworn on the back of user. The system includes a fluid tank 410 that isremovably mounted to a frame 412 such that the tank 410 can beinterchanged with another tank. The frame 412 is connected to a harness420 or other support for mounting on a user's back, as shown in FIG. 6.The tank 410 is fluidly connected to a handheld nozzle 415 through whicha plume of electrically charged fluid is expelled. The backpackembodiment can include any component of the other systems describedherein, including the electrostatic configurations and removablereservoir.

In addition, FIG. 7 shows another handheld embodiment 705 having areservoir at a bottom of the device. FIG. 8 shows an embodiment 805 thathas a hand pump that can be pumped to generate a pressure differentialthat expels a plume of fluid out of the device.

FIG. 9 shows another embodiment of the system 105. As in the previousembodiment, the system 105 has an outer housing 110 that forms a handlethat can ergonomically be grasped by a single hand of a user. The system105 includes at least one actuator that can be actuated to turn on andalso turn off an internal pump, as well as a second actuator for turningon and off an electrostatics charger for expelling a plume ofelectrostatically charged fluid from a fluid expelling region 175 of thesystem 105. The system 105 has a removable reservoir 125 for storingfluid to be expelled.

The system 105 ejects high voltage ions to the air by means of aplurality of (such as three or more) sharp, detachable high voltage iondischarge electrodes or pins of a predetermined spacing (such as at 120°spacing) from each other on a rim of a nozzle holder (described belowwith reference to FIG. 14). The high voltage ion discharge electrodesare each positioned along an axis that is in parallel to an axis of aspray nozzle so that the spray and ions are emitted in the samedirection and along a parallel axis and therefore the droplets in thespray are surrounded and covered by ion stream and can be efficientlycharged when they meet the ion stream. The electrodes thus emit, propel,or otherwise send out ions or charge in a direction parallel to thedirect of fluid flow or an average direction of fluid flow from thenozzles.

FIG. 10 shows the system 105 with a portion of the outer housing 110removed to show internal components of the system 105. The system 105includes a pump 1005 that is powered by a battery 1010. The pump 1005 isfluidly coupled to fluid within the reservoir 125 such that the pump cancause a pressure differential to draw fluid from the reservoir and intoa nozzle assembly 1015, which is described in detail below. The system105 further includes an electrostatic module that is electricallyconnected to an electrostatic ring, as described below. Theelectrostatic module in an example embodiment is a 12 kV electrostaticmodule and it is configured to electrostatically charge an item, such asthe electrodes, ring, and/or tube described below.

In an embodiment, a light 1017 is positioned at a front end of thesystem 105 in the fluid-expelling region 175 such that the light aimslight toward the direction where fluid is expelled. The light may be anLED light, for example. The light can automatically illuminate when anyportion of the system is activated. In an example embodiment, LED lighthas 100 lumens with the light being directly focused on the path of theliquid that is being sprayed out of the sprayer nozzle. The light can bein multiple colors to allow the user to illuminate florescentantimicrobial solutions (infrared light). In another embodiment thelight is black light. At least a portion of the light or electricalcomponents of the light may be insulated from contact with theelectrically charged field.

FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of the nozzle assembly 1015, whichincludes a nozzle housing 1105 having an internal cavity that removablycontains a nozzle holder or nozzle component 1110 in which one or morenozzles 1115 are positioned. An annular electrostatic ring 1120 ismounted on a forward edge of the nozzle housing 1105. The electrostaticring 1120 forms an opening through which fluid is expelled from thereservoir and through at least one of the nozzles by virtue of the pumpcreating a pressure differential. An insulator element, such as a rubberring 1125 is positioned on the electrostatic ring 1120 to electricallyshield it from the outer housing 110 of the system.

There is a metal contact on the high voltage electrostatic ring 1120that is exposed at a rear part of the electrostatic ring 1120. A highvoltage wire from the electrostatic module is soldered or otherwiseelectrically connected to this metal contact. The soldering point andadjacent exposed metal is completely sealed by epoxy or other insulatorto avoid oxidation and leakage of ions from the electrodes. A groundwire from electrostatic module is connected to ground plate. Asdiscussed, the ground wire is embedded in the handle of the sprayer sothat it is in contact with the operator during operation. This serves aselectrical return loop to complete an electrical circuit. Theelectrostatic ring is electrically charged so that it transfers thecharge to the electrodes that are electrically connected to the ring. Inanother embodiment, the electrodes themselves are individually connectedto the electrostatic module.

As shown in FIG. 12, the system 105 also includes a nozzle tool 1205that removably and mechanically couples to the nozzle assembly formanipulating the nozzle component 1110. The nozzle tool 1205 is sizedand shaped to be inserted into a front opening in the nozzle housing1105. When inserted into the nozzle housing 1105, the nozzle tool 1205mechanically couples to the nozzle component 1110 in a manner thatpermits the nozzle tool 1205 to lock and/or move the nozzle component1110 relative to the nozzle housing 1105, as described more fully below.

In an embodiment, the tool 1205 couples to and removes nozzle componentby a counter clock turn and by pushing in until nozzle componentdecouples and can be removed. In this regard, pushing the nozzlecomponent deeper into the housing using the tool causes a threadedportion of the nozzle component to engage a threaded nut or bolt of thehousing that secures the nozzle component to the housing. The user canthen unthread the nozzle tool and remove it from the housing.

The tool 1205 can also be used to adjust the three-way nozzle by turningit in a desired rotational direction. The user can select threedifferent spray patterns by turning the nozzle component so that adesired nozzle fluidly couples to the reservoir. In this regard, aportion of the tool mechanically attaches to the nozzle component sothat it can apply force to the nozzle component and rotate it until adesired nozzle is in a position that is fluidly coupled to a fluidstream from the reservoir. The system may include a mechanism, such asspring and ball, that provides a noise (such as a clicking sound) when anozzle is in a position to spray fluid.

FIG. 17 shows a perspective view of the nozzle tool 1205. The nozzletool 1205 is sized and shaped to be grasped by a user. It includes acoupler region 1705 that can be removably coupled to a drive device,such as a wrench, or grasped by a user. In an embodiment, the couplerregion 1705 is hexagonal shaped so that it can be mechanically coupledto a wrench including a socket wrench. The nozzle tool 1205 includes acavity or seat 1710 that is size and shaped to receive the outer portionof the nozzle component. For example, the seat 1710 can have a shapethat complements and receives the shape of the nozzle component 1110.The nozzle tool 1205 also includes at least one opening 1715 thatinterlocks with a complementary-shaped protrusion 1405 (FIG. 14) on thenozzle component 1110.

FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of the nozzle housing 1105 without thenozzle component 1110 mounted therein. The nozzle housing 1105 has anelongated, cylindrical shape and defines an internal cavity 1305 sizedto removably receive the nozzle component 1110. The electrostatic ring1120 is mounted at the front edge of the nozzle housing 1105 with therubber ring 1125 positioned in a seat within the electrostatic ring1120. The rubber ring 1125 insulates a set of three electrode assemblies1310 that are mounted on the electrostatic ring 1120 in a predeterminedposition and orientation. The electrodes assemblies 1310 are arrangedaround the opening of the nozzle housing 1105 around the nozzles of thenozzle component 1110 when it is positioned in the nozzle housing 1105.In an embodiment, the electrode assemblies 1310 are positioned at 120degree increments around the electrostatic ring 1120.

The electrostatic ring 1120 includes the three electrodes (which may bemade or stainless steel for example) that are electrically isolated by arubber washer and rubber threaded cap, as described below. Theelectrostatic ring 1120 that holds electrodes is metal and is builtinside of the nozzle housing. The electric static ring is isolatedinside a nozzle housing that acts as a protective barrier. Theelectrostatic ring 1120 contains three internal threaded holes thataccept the three electrodes. A rubber washer is inserted between theelectrostatic ring 1120 and an insulator on each electrode. The rubberwasher aids in tightening of the electrode to the electrostatic ring1120 and also assists in avoiding leakage of ions from the electrode.The whole electrostatic ring 1120 is isolated inside the nozzle housingso that it acts a protective barrier.

The ring, when properly mounted, forms a safety gap between thedischarge electrodes and the outer housing so as to minimize staticleakage through the housing. The rubber ring isolates the nozzle housingfrom causing a charge to the sprayer housing. The rubber ring alsoisolates the nozzle housing from main body of the sprayer to preventwater from penetrating to a main body of the sprayer.

A hose coupler 1320 is located at an end of the nozzle housing and isconfigured to be coupled to a house or other conduit that communicateswith the reservoir. The hose coupler 132 defines an internal passagewaythat communicates with the nozzles 1115 for feeding fluid from thereservoir to the nozzles 1115.

FIG. 14 shows the nozzle component 1110, which is sized and shaped to beremovably positioned within the cavity 1305 of the nozzle housing 1105.The nozzle component 1110 houses one or more nozzles 1115, each of whichis configured to deliver fluid in a predetermined plume or spraypattern. The nozzle component 1110 includes one or more protrusions 1405or other structural elements that are sized and shaped to receivecomplementary structures on the nozzle tool 1205, as described below.Note that the electrostatic ring 1120 with the electrode assemblies 1310is positioned around the nozzles 1115 with the electrodes of theassemblies 1310 being aligned along an axis that is parallel with anaxis of the nozzles.

Any of a variety of nozzle types can be used to achieve a desired flowpattern. There are now described some non-limiting examples ofelectrodes. In an embodiment, the electrodes include three example typesas follows:

(1) A nozzle that provides a cone-shaped spray, with a flow rate of 0.23L/min, 45° @3.5 bar, SMD=113 um, inner orifice=0.65 mm;

(2) A nozzle that provides a cone-shaped spray, with a flow rate of0.369 L/min, 60° @3.5 bar, SMD=84 um, inner orifice=0.58 mm;

(3) A nozzle that provides a fan-shaped spray, with a flow rate of 0.42L/min, 60° @3.5 bar, SMD=100 um, inner orifice=1.00 mm.

It should be appreciated that the aforementioned nozzles are justexamples and that variances are within the scope of this disclosure.

FIG. 15 shows an electrode assembly 1310, which includes a high voltageion discharge electrode 1510 (or pin) and an insulation element 1520positioned over the electrode or pin 1510. The insulation element 1520is sized and shaped so that it covers substantially all of the electrode1510 and exposes only a front portion of the electrode 1510 in the formof a frontward facing conical tip that is aligned along an axis. FIG. 16shows the electrode 1510 (sometimes referred to as a pin) without theinsulation element 1520. Each high voltage ion discharge electrode inthe system has the same structure shown in FIG. 15, a metal pin that isovermolded with plastic at the middle of the pin. Each metal pin has onesharp spike at one end and external screw thread at the other end. Theinsulation element, which can be plastic, at the middle of pin is foreasy gripping during installation and removal, although the pins are notnecessarily removable. The plastic is also used to insulate the pin andprevent it from releasing ions from body of pin. The electrode assemblycan also be a set of electrode assemblies of the type shown in FIG. 15.

Thus, each electrode assembly 1310 includes an insulator element 1520that can be formed of a rubber washer that covers a middle section ofthe electrode, and rubber boot that covers a front section except for afront most, sharpened tip. The rubber washer and a plastic or rubber cap(or boot) isolates the electrode and protects the electrode from staticleakage such that only the sharpened tip is exposed and/or uninsulated.

Each high voltage ion discharge electrode is to be screwed into aninternal screw thread on the high voltage ring 1120 coupled to thenozzle component 1110. Except for its sharp spike at the end, each highvoltage ion discharge electrode is completely covered and concealed bythe insulator element after it is installed to the high voltage ring1120.

FIG. 18 shows an enlarged view of a handle region of the housing 110.The handle region is ergonomically sized and shaped to be grasped by asingle hand of a user. A trigger 1805 or other actuator, such as a knob,switch, etc., is ergonomically positioned so that a user can actuate thetrigger with his or her finger when the other fingers are wrapped arounda post 1810 of the handle region. A ground wire 1815 or other structure1815 is embedded into the handle region, such as in the post 1810. Theground wire 1815 is positioned so that it will electrically contact theuser's hand when the user grasps the post 1810 during use of the device.In an embodiment, the ground wire is made of copper and is a copperstrip of material that contacts the user's hand when the user grasps thedevice although other materials, such as stainless steel, may be used.

FIG. 19 shows the handle region with a portion of the outer housing 110removed to show internal components of the device particularly withrespect to the reservoir 125, which is a container that encloses aninterior cavity that contains fluid. The reservoir is removably attachedto the housing 110 and includes a guide surface 1907 that slides intothe housing 110. In an embodiment, the guide surface 1907 defines one ormore inclined guide projections that interact with the outer housing 110to properly guide the reservoir 125 into the housing 110.

With reference still to FIG. 19, a first detachment mechanism 1905, suchas a ring attached to a biased or tensions structure such as a pin, anda second detachment mechanism 1920, such as a rotatable wheel or cap1921, that can be collectively actuated by a user to enable detachmentand locking reattachment of the reservoir 125 to the outer housing. FIG.20 shows a view of the portion of the cap 1921 that communicates withand covers the interior cavity of the reservoir 125. A one-way valve2003, such as a duckbill valve, is positioned in the cap 1921 andprovides a vent for fluid to enter into the interior of the reservoirfrom atmosphere as the pump of the system pulls a vacuum in thereservoir.

FIG. 21 shows the reservoir 125, which includes an opening 2005 thatprovides access to the internal cavity of the reservoir 125. The opening2005 is defined by a neck 2010 having one or more flanges or threads.The neck 2010 sealingly engages the first detachment mechanism 1905 andthe second detachment mechanism 1920 of the system for detaching andlockingly attaching the reservoir to the housing.

FIG. 22 shows the system with the reservoir 125 and a portion of theouter housing removed. As mentioned, the first detachment mechanism 1905is configured to attach to the reservoir. Specifically, the firstdetachment mechanism 1905 includes a spring loaded or tensionedstructure that is biased toward locking engagement with a seat 2020(FIG. 21), structure, or opening in the housing of the reservoir. Thefirst detachment mechanism 1905 is biased to automatically engage andlock with the seat 2020 (or other structure) and lock the reservoir 125to the housing when it is inserted. In this manner, the detachmentmechanism 1905 mechanically prevents the reservoir from being removedfrom the housing unless the user pulls on, disengages, or otherwisereleases the first detachment mechanism 1905 from the reservoir. A usercan disengage the first detachment mechanism 1905 from the reservoir bypulling on a structure such as a ring or tab of the first detachmentmechanism 1905 to release it from the reservoir. Thus the user must pullout the first detachment mechanism relative to the housing and/orreservoir to release the reservoir from the housing.

With reference still to FIG. 22, second detachment mechanism 1920 is arotatable structure such as a wheel with threads that engage the neck2010 (FIG. 21) or a portion thereof of the reservoir 125. In anembodiment, the wheel of the second detachment mechanism 1920 is rotated(such as by a three quarter turn or other turn range) by a user once thereservoir 125 is attached to the outer housing. Rotation of a knob thesecond detachment mechanism 1920 lockingly and sealingly engages theopening 2005 of the reservoir to the knob and to internal conduits ofthe system that fluidly couple the fluid in the reservoir to thenozzles.

In this regard, an outlet conduit 2115 fluidly communicates with theinternal region of the reservoir when the reservoir is attached andlockingly sealed to the housing. The outlet conduit 2115 can be fluidlyattached to a pump inlet conduit 2120 of the pump 1005 such as via ahose (not shown). The pump 1005 has an outlet conduit 2125 that can befluidly attached to the hose coupler 1320 (FIG. 13) of the nozzleassembly. In this manner, the pump can create a pressure differentialthat draws fluid from the reservoir and drives it to the nozzleassembly.

In an embodiment, a hose or tube connects the outlet conduit 2125 of thepump 1005 to the hose coupler 1320 of the nozzle assembly. The tube (orother conduit) that connects the pump 1005 to the nozzle assembly may beconfigured to electrostatically charge fluid flowing through the tube bydirect charging between the tube, which is charged, and the fluid thatflows through the tube toward the nozzles. This is described in moredetail with reference to FIG. 24, which shows an ion tube isolator 2405that electrically charges fluid flowing from the reservoir or pump andtoward the nozzles. The ion tube isolator includes the tube 2410 throughwhich fluid passes as well as a high voltage electrode assembly ormodule 2415 that is electrically connected to the electrostatic moduleand that is made of a conductive material such as metal. The module 2415can include a lead where it can be electrically connected to theelectrostatic module such as via a conductive wire.

In an embodiment the module 2415 is a conductive material, such asmetal. In an embodiment only the module 2415 is conductive and theremainder of the tube 2410 is non-conductive and/or is insulated fromcontact with any other part of the system. The module 2415 may also besurrounded by an insulator that insulates it from contact with any otherpart of the system. As fluid flows through the tube 2410, the module2415 directly contacts the fluid as it flows and passes a charge to thefluid through direct contact with the fluid. In this way, the ion tubeisolator 2405 electrostatically charges the fluid prior to the fluidpassing through the nozzle.

In an embodiment, the pump 1005 is a direct current (DC) pump. The pumpincludes a rotary motion motor with a connecting rod that drives adiaphragm in an up and down motion when activated. In the process of thedownward movement of the diaphragm, a pump cavity creates a pressuredifferential such as by pulling a vacuum relative to the interior of thereservoir to suck fluid through the pump inlet conduit 2120 from thereservoir. Upward movement of the diaphragm pushes fluid of the pumpcavity press through the pump outlet conduit 2125 toward the hosecoupler 1320 of the nozzle assembly via an attachment hose that attachesthe pump outlet conduit 2125 to the hose coupler 1320. Any mechanicaltransmission parts and the pump cavity are isolated by the diaphragmwithin the pump. The diaphragm pump does not need oil for auxiliarylubricating, in the process of transmission, extraction and compressionof the fluid. FIG. 23 shows an exemplary embodiment of the pump 1005,which includes the pump inlet conduit 2120 and the pump outlet conduit2125.

In use, the user grasps the system 105 and powers the pump so that itpropels fluid out of the selected nozzle from the reservoir. Asmentioned, the user can use the nozzle tool 1205 to both insert and lockthe nozzle assembly 1015 to the system. The user can also use the nozzletool 1205 to rotate the nozzle component and fluidly couple a selectednozzle to the reservoir. Thus the user can select a desired plumeprofile for the fluid. The system can also be equipped with just asingle nozzle. The user also activates the electrostatic module so thatthe electrodes become charged and form an electrostatic field in theelectrode ring. The fluid is propelled from the nozzle through the ringand through the electrostatic field so that the droplets of fluid in theaerosol plume become positively or negatively electrically charged. Asmentioned, the electrodes and the nozzle are aligned along a commonparallel axis. This directs the liquid or aerosol toward a desiredobject based on where the user points the nozzles. In an embodiment, theelectrodes do not physically contact the fluid propelled through thenozzles. In another embodiment, the electrodes physically contact thefluid propelled through the nozzles

While this specification contains many specifics, these should not beconstrued as limitations on the scope of an invention that is claimed orof what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specificto particular embodiments. Certain features that are described in thisspecification in the context of separate embodiments can also beimplemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, variousfeatures that are described in the context of a single embodiment canalso be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in anysuitable sub-combination. Moreover, although features may be describedabove as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed assuch, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some casesbe excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may bedirected to a sub-combination or a variation of a sub-combination.Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings in a particularorder, this should not be understood as requiring that such operationsbe performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, orthat all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirableresults.

1.-18. (canceled)
 19. An electrostatic sprayer apparatus comprising: amain body housing configured to receive a power source; a nozzleassembly disposed at a first end of the main body housing; a reservoirconfigured to have a fluid disposed therein, the reservoir furtherconfigured for fluid communication with the nozzle assembly; a pumpdisposed within the main body housing, the pump configured to be poweredby the power source and to pump at least a portion of the fluid from thereservoir to the nozzle assembly for dispensing the at least portion ofthe fluid through the nozzle assembly to an exterior of theelectrostatic sprayer apparatus; an electrostatic module disposed withinthe main body housing; and at least one electrode assembly in electricalcommunication with the electrostatic module via a conductive wire, theat least one electrode assembly configured for electrostatic charging ofat least portion of the fluid; wherein the nozzle assembly comprises: anozzle housing; a rotatable component received within the nozzlehousing; and two or more nozzles coupled to the rotatable component, thenozzle assembly configured to, via rotation of the rotatable componentand alignment of one of the two more nozzles with an outlet of thenozzle assembly, enable selection of a specified flow pattern for theelectrostatically charged at least portion of the fluid during thedispensing thereof to the exterior of the electrostatic sprayerapparatus.
 20. The electrostatic sprayer apparatus of claim 19, whereinthe two or more nozzles comprise a first nozzle, a second nozzle, and athird nozzle, the first nozzle configured to generate a first flowpattern, the second nozzle configured to generate a second flow pattern,the third nozzle configured to generate a third flow pattern, each ofthe first nozzle, the second nozzle, and the third nozzle having atleast one characteristic differing from others of the two or morenozzles which enables generation of a respective one of the first flowpattern, the second flow pattern, or the third flow pattern.
 21. Theelectrostatic sprayer apparatus of claim 20, wherein each of the firstflow pattern, the second flow pattern, and the third flow patterncomprises at least one of a flow rate, a spray shape, or an averagedroplet size which differs from one or more others of the first flowpattern the second flow pattern, or the third flow pattern.
 22. Theelectrostatic sprayer apparatus of claim 19, wherein an opening in theexterior face of the nozzle assembly is configured to receive a nozzletool, the opening defined by an interior surface of an outer ring of thenozzle assembly.
 23. The electrostatic sprayer apparatus of claim 22,further comprising the nozzle tool, wherein the nozzle tool comprises afirst arm and a second arm, an outer surface of the first arm configuredto engage with a first portion of the interior surface of the outerring, an outer surface of the second arm configured to engage with asecond portion of the interior surface of the outer ring.
 24. Theelectrostatic sprayer apparatus of claim 23, wherein each of the firstarm and the second arm extend outwardly from a main body of the nozzletool, and the first arm opposes the second arm.
 25. The electrostaticsprayer apparatus of claim 22, wherein the nozzle housing furthercomprises one or more protrusions configured to engage with nozzle tooland enable, when the nozzle tool is engaged with the one or moreprotrusions, rotation of the at least a portion of the rotatablecomponent via rotation of the nozzle tool.
 26. The electrostatic sprayerapparatus of claim 19, wherein the rotatable component is removablyreceived within an internal cavity of the nozzle housing.
 27. Theelectrostatic sprayer apparatus of claim 19, wherein the nozzle assemblyfurther comprises a spring and ball mechanism, the spring and ballmechanism configured to provide feedback to a user to indicate thealignment of the one of the two more nozzles with the outlet of thenozzle assembly.
 28. The electrostatic sprayer apparatus of claim 27,wherein the feedback comprises one or more of auditory feedback ortactile feedback.
 29. The electrostatic sprayer apparatus of claim 19,wherein the nozzle assembly further comprises a hose coupler, the hosecoupler disposed at an opposing end of the nozzle assembly relative tothe rotatable component, the hose coupler comprising an inlet of thenozzle assembly which is configured to enable the fluid communicationbetween the reservoir and the nozzle assembly.
 30. The electrostaticsprayer apparatus of claim 19, further comprising a grounded ringdisposed at the first end of the main body housing, the grounded ringbeing distal relative to the nozzle assembly.
 31. The electrostaticsprayer apparatus of claim 19, wherein the nozzle housing furthercomprises a raised chamber extended upwardly from a top exterior surfacethereof, the rotatable component disposed below the raised chamber, theraised chamber comprising an opening in a front exterior face of theraised chamber.
 32. The electrostatic sprayer apparatus of claim 31,further comprising a light source disposed within the raised chamber,the light source configured to project light through the opening in thefront exterior face of the raised chamber in a same direction as thespecified spray pattern of the electrostatically charged at leastportion of the fluid during the dispensing thereof through the nozzleassembly to the exterior of the electrostatic sprayer apparatus.
 33. Theelectrostatic sprayer apparatus of claim 32, wherein the light sourcecomprises an LED light, and the light source is automaticallyilluminated via activation of the pump.
 34. The electrostatic sprayerapparatus of claim 19, further comprising the power source, wherein thepower source comprises a lithium ion battery.
 35. The electrostaticsprayer apparatus of claim 19, further comprising: a handle attached tothe main body housing; and a first actuator disposed in the handle, thefirst actuator configured to enable a user to activate the pump.
 36. Theelectrostatic sprayer apparatus of claim 35, further comprising a secondactuator, the second actuator configured to enable the user to activatethe electrostatic module.
 37. The electrostatic sprayer apparatus ofclaim 19, wherein the at least one electrode assembly comprises a firstelectrode assembly disposed in a flow pathway between the pump and thenozzle assembly, the first electrode assembly configured for directcharging of the at least portion of the fluid as it passes through theflow pathway.
 38. The electrostatic sprayer apparatus of claim 37,wherein the first electrode assembly comprises a conductive tubedisposed within an insulator, the insulator and the conductive tubedefining a first portion of the flow pathway, the insulator and theconductive tube in fluid communication with each the pump and the nozzleassembly via one or more non-conductive tubes, the one or morenon-conductive tubes defining a remainder of the flow pathway.
 39. Theelectrostatic sprayer apparatus of claim 38, wherein the at least oneelectrode assembly further comprises a second electrode assemblydisposed on the nozzle assembly, the second electrode assemblyconfigured for indirect electrostatic charging of the at least portionof the fluid during the dispensing thereof through the nozzle assemblyto the exterior of the electrostatic sprayer apparatus.
 40. Theelectrostatic sprayer apparatus of claim 19, further comprising a frameand a harness, the reservoir configured to be removably mounted to theframe, the harness configured to be worn on the back of a user.
 41. Theelectrostatic sprayer apparatus of claim 40, wherein the reservoir isconfigured to be fluidly coupled to the pump via a hose extending fromthe reservoir to the main body housing.
 42. The electrostatic sprayerapparatus of claim 19, wherein the reservoir is configured to beremovably attached to the main body housing.
 43. The electrostaticsprayer apparatus of claim 42, further comprising a cap assembly, thecap assembly configured to (i) disengage from the reservoir to enablefilling with the fluid through an opening of the reservoir when thereservoir is detached from the main body housing, and (ii) be coupled tothe opening and disposed within the main body housing when the reservoiris attached to the main body housing.
 44. An electrostatic sprayerapparatus comprising: a main body housing configured to receive a powersource; a handle attached to the main body housing; a nozzle assemblydisposed at a first end of the main body housing; a reservoir configuredto have a fluid disposed therein, the reservoir further configured forfluid communication with the nozzle assembly; a pump disposed within themain body housing, the pump configured to be powered by the power sourceand to pump at least a portion of the fluid from the reservoir to thenozzle assembly for dispensing the electrostatically charged at leastportion of the fluid through the nozzle assembly to an exterior of theelectrostatic sprayer apparatus; an electrostatic module disposed withinthe main body housing; and at least one electrode assembly in electricalcommunication with the electrostatic module via a conductive wire, theat least one electrode assembly configured for electrostatic charging ofthe at least portion of the fluid; wherein the nozzle assemblycomprises: a nozzle housing comprising hose coupler and defining aninternal cavity, the hose coupler comprising an inlet of the nozzleassembly which is configured to enable the fluid communication betweenthe reservoir and the nozzle assembly; a rotatable component removablyreceived within internal cavity; and a first nozzle, a second nozzle,and a third nozzle coupled to the rotatable component, the nozzleassembly configured to, via rotation of the rotatable component andalignment of one of the first nozzle, the second nozzle, or the thirdnozzle with an outlet of the nozzle assembly, enable selection of aspecified flow pattern for the electrostatically charged at leastportion of the fluid during the dispensing thereof to the exterior ofthe electrostatic sprayer apparatus; wherein the first nozzle isconfigured to generate a first flow pattern, the second nozzle isconfigured to generate a second flow pattern, and the third nozzle isconfigured to generate a third flow pattern, each of the first nozzle,the second nozzle, and the third nozzle having at least onecharacteristic differing from others of the two or more nozzles whichenables generation of a respective one of the first flow pattern, thesecond flow pattern, or the third flow pattern; and wherein the nozzleassembly further comprises a spring and ball mechanism, the spring andball mechanism configured to provide feedback to a user to indicate thealignment of the one of the two more nozzles with the outlet of thenozzle assembly.
 45. The electrostatic sprayer apparatus of claim 44,wherein each of the first flow pattern, the second flow pattern, and thethird flow pattern comprises at least one of a flow rate, a spray shape,or an average droplet size which differs from one or more others of thefirst flow pattern, the second flow pattern, or the third flow pattern.46. The electrostatic sprayer apparatus of claim 44, further comprisinga nozzle tool, wherein an opening in the exterior face of the nozzleassembly is configured to receive the nozzle tool, the opening definedby an outer ring of the nozzle assembly; and wherein the nozzle toolcomprises a first arm and a second arm extended outwardly from a mainbody thereof, an outer surface of the first arm configured to engagewith a first portion of the interior surface of the outer ring, an outersurface of the second arm configured to engage with a second portion ofthe interior surface of the outer ring, and wherein one or moreprotrusions of the nozzle assembly are each configured to engage with atleast one side surface of the first arm and at least one side surface ofthe second arm.
 47. The electrostatic sprayer apparatus of claim 44,wherein the nozzle housing further comprises a raised chamber extendedupwardly from a top exterior surface thereof, the rotatable componentdisposed below the raised chamber, the raised chamber comprising anopening in a forward exterior face of the raised chamber; and whereinthe electrostatic sprayer apparatus further comprises a light sourcedisposed within the raised chamber, the light source configured toproject light through the opening in the forward exterior face of theraised chamber in a same direction as the specified spray pattern of theelectrostatically charged at least portion of the fluid during thedispensing thereof through the nozzle assembly to the exterior of theelectrostatic sprayer apparatus.
 48. The electrostatic sprayer apparatusof claim 44, further comprising: a first actuator disposed in thehandle, the first actuator configured to enable a user to activate thepump; and a second actuator, the second actuator configured to enablethe user to activate the electrostatic module; wherein one or more ofthe first actuator or the second actuator are configured toautomatically cause illumination of the lights source upon activationthereof.